by 197 people |
Cotton - You love the feel of it against your skin
The scent of it, fresh from the dryer, the rich plush of thick Turkish towels in the bath. And who doesn't feel comforted the moment they crawl between freshly laundered cotton sheets? So what's all the buzz about organic cotton, and why should you care? Find out here. Plus, I've made it easy for you to test organic cotton clothing and items for your home with a generous selection of luxurious products. You'll love the feel of it. So will your family.
Image courtesy Big Grey Mare
Jump off the pesticide treadmill
Only 2.4 percent--less than 3 percent of the world's agricultural land is used to grow cotton. That's not bad. But next time you pull that cotton onesie over your baby's head, think about this.Growers spray 24 percent of the world's insecticides on their cotton fields. Then they add 11 percent of the world's pesticides. Many of these chemicals are known to cause cancer in humans.
When those crop dusters fly overhead, they spray everything in their wake, killing the good insects, spiders and birds that would normally gobble up the pesky cotton-nibblers, and exposing you and your baby, if you're in the neighborhood, to those same chemicals.
Because the natural predators are gone, opportunistic species flourish, further threatening the crop. Farmers apply even more pesticides to kill the new bugs, and the "pesticide treadmill" goes round and round, requiring ever harsher chemicals as the "bad bugs" develop stronger and stronger resistance.
But beautiful organic cotton can be grown in high yield crops too, and farmers all over the world are proving it. Learn how they're doing it on aboutorganiccotton.org
Data from Clothes for a Change
Image courtesy Big Grey Mare
Five important things you do when you buy organic cotton
Runoff containing pesticides from cotton fields killed 240,000 fish in Alabama in 1995.
Prevent chronic health problems in Egyptian cotton workers
In the 1990s, fifty percent of Egyptian cotton workers suffered from chronic pesticide poisoning, including neurological and vision disorders.
Prevent health disorders in some of the poorest workers in the world
Chances are that famous-label tee shirt you're wearing was made in Bangladesh where ninety-one percent of Indian men working in cotton eight plus hours/day suffered illnesses related to chromosonal aberrations and cell death.
Save American lives
Each year, more than ten thousand Americans die from cancer associated with pesticides.
The life you save may be your own
A third of a pound of fertilizers and pesticides are used in the growth and production of every cotton t-shirt you pull over your head.
The information in this list came from Clothes for a Change
Eco-Fashion: Runway & Bread Denim
This designer's eco-fashions are worn by Paris Hilton and Charlize Theron, among others
The stats are in! We're buying more organic cotton
Sales up 63 percent in 2008, according to Reuters
Read the Reuters article, Global organic cotton sales up 63 percent in 2008, with thanks to Twitterers @PeopleForEarth and @ecotist for tweeting and retweeting about it.
Yummy cotton for her
Which would you like to own--or give to someone you love--all that soft, cottony goodness to snuggle with. Vote for it!
1
Horny Toad Short Sleeve Dharma Shirt - Women's
The Horny Toad Dharma Short Sleeve shirt's wide lo more...4 points
3
Of the Earth Cherub Sweater - Women's
Slip into the soft organic cotton Of the Earth Che more...0 points
4
Volcom Family Ties Organic T-Shirt Short-Sleeve - Women's
Volcom made the Women's Family Ties Organic Short- more...0 points
5
Go Veg! Women's Organic Cotton T-Shirt
Now you can get our popular "Go Veg! Your Ani more...0 points
Cotton togs for him
Mmmm. The scent of clean cotton against his chest ...
2
Men's Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Tee
5 oz., 100 percent organic ringspun combed cotton more...1 point
3
Timberland Men Organic Cotton Army Hat c185h
Timberland Army Hat constructed with Organic Cotto more...0 points
4
prAna Tri Stripe Polo Shirt - Men's
Let your environmentally-conscious lifestyle enter more...0 points
5
Volcom Appleyard Organic Jean - Men's
Volcom rider. Mark Appleyard collaborated with des more...0 points
5 more ways you make a BIG difference when you buy organic cotton
What's in your cookies & chips? Read the labels: Carcinogenic pesticides and other additives are present in cottonseed oil and other byproducts of conventional cotton production, and our fat cells store them.
Eat healthy, stay strong II
Genetically engineered cotton has all kinds of stuff we've never eaten before: viral promoters, antibiotic-resistant genes, special bacteria.
Reduce premature death and suffering
Pesticide poisoning kills 20-40,000 people a year, says the World Health Organization (WHO). Three million suffer from pesticide-related disease.
Reduce cancer risks among California's ag workers and millions who breathe the air and drink the water
Five of the nine most-used pesticides on California cotton fields are carcinogenic (cyanazine, dicofol, naled, propargite and trifluralin).
Preserve Nature's insect predators--the good bugs
Pesticides and insecticides kill the good bugs--ladybugs, spiders, and parasitic wasps--who gobble up the bad bugs. When the bad bugs flare up again, farmers apply more poisons and the "pesticide treadmill" perpetuates.
The information in this list came from Clothes for a Change
India is a chief supplier of cotton
AND HERE'S WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT ORGANIC COTTON FARMERS
The Conventional Trap
by Altemeier and Somji Illustrates powerfully why the change to organic cotton production is so important to the health of the farming families. It tells the sad story of Anan, a peasant farmer in southern India caught up in the vicious cycle of pesticide-dependent cotton growing. You will see the effects of heavy use of pesticides on cotton, learn how international pesticide companies exploit cotton farmers and observe the tragic consequences of these conventional growing practices on the farmers, their families and their environment. Buy organic cotton from these Indian producers at: http://www.newint.org/shop/
Runtime: 9:22
5690 views
3 Comments:
curated content from YouTube
What's next to your baby's skin? Pesticide residues?
OR WHOLESOME, HEALTHY LUXURIOUS COTTON
Sckoon Organic Cotton Japonesk Baby Cap
No chemicals: Sckoon products are made of certified organic cotton; picked by hand and spun without the use of any chemicals. It is safe and irritant-free for your baby most sensitive and tender skin.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009) 
List Price:
Mini Matey Pirate organic cotton infant shirt, 12-18 months, fire engine red
Made of 100% organically grown cotton AND sweat-shop free! How cool is that? Available in 4 funky colors; expandable neck for easy dressing.
Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $20.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Organic Cotton Long-Sleeve Bodysuits 2-pk. - Pink Trim (6–9 mos.)
Pink/white soft cozy comfort for Baby, snap closure for convenient diaper changes, 100% cotton, machine wash
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $24.99
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Diaper - Newborn - Fitted
Under the Nile's fitted diaper is made with pure organic cotton terry knit with contrasting green trim. Absorbent, soft and a great fit makes this diaper our mom's favorite. Size and Weight NB (0-13 LBS), S (13-22 LBS) M (22-35 LBS), L (35+ LBS)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $12.00
Five soft picks to keep your baby comfy--and safe--night and day
So many organic choices!
Ellaroo Deluxe Mei Tai Baby Carrier - Good n Plenty/Black Organic Cotton Canvas
The Mei Tai carrier is a traditional Asian design more...2 points
Cupcake Organic Baby Blanket
This earth friendly, 100% certified organic cotton more...1 point
Short Sleeve Button Up Shirt
Bright and stylish, this organic cotton button-fro more...1 point
27 x 35 Baby Wool Blanket (Organic Cotton Flannel Back)
Lambswool fleece baby blankets backed with organic more...0 points
Cotton teething toys for your baby
VEGGIES and FRUIT!
Under The Nile Banana Toy
Organic cotton, fairly traded; machine wash cold, set out to dry, soft on sensitive skin, Safety tested and approved by ASTM F963 Toys Safety Standard.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $6.69 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $7.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Organic Egyptian Cotton Veggies and Crate - Fair Trade
Organic Egyptian Cotton and stuffed with 100% organic cotton so no need to worry about baby putting these toys (organic veggies, yum) in their mouths.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $26.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
Under The Nile Carrot Toy
This 100% organic cotton teething toy brings new meaning to the phrase, eat your vegetables. Soft, simple, and healthy, this carrot is both sweet and smart with absolutely no pesticides or chemicals used in the production process, a great first toy for your baby to chew on.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $6.64 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $7.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Tomato
We all know how babies love to put things in their mouth, why not start them off with organic vegetables? Veggie toys are fun and hands-on, encouraging children to develop a positive attitude towards vegetables. Fair Trade allows artisans a fair wage to support their families.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $6.90 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Under The Nile Green Bean Toy
Green Bean toy is fun and hands-on, encouraging children to develop a positive attitude towards vegetables. Made and stuffed with 100% organic cotton.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $6.69 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $7.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Watch your wee darling smile when you play together with these cuddly animals
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Elephant - Blue Dots
So cute! What's not to love in these sweet little elephants, so comforting to teething baby and to mama and papa as well, because they know organic cotton is free of pesticide residues
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $14.00
Natural Friends Rattle Frog
This happy frog with big cottony eyes and mischievous smile is made from cotton (controlled biological cultivation) and filled with lamb's wool
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price:
Sckoon Organic Cotton Fat Rabbit Doll & Snuggle Blanket
Perfect gift for a newborn baby, this 100% organic cotton snuggle blanket rolled and hugged by a cute Fat Rabbit is 100% organic cotton inside and out, and dyed with metal-free dyes
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price:
Organic Milou Bunny
Lana Natural products are made from 100% organic cotton. Lana controls the process from the cotton fields to the home workers who sew these adorable creatures so that you can have confidence in the quality and the earth-friendly organic certification of these products.
Amazon Price: $38.95 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price:
Snuggle in for a nap or a night with these whimsical dolls
Under The Nile Print Blue Pocket Doll
Waldorf inspired doll has flesh tone and hair sticking out of it's cap. As always, these toys are safe, non-toxic and chemical free. 8 in. Under the Nile products offer you an alternative to conventional apparel. All the cotton is 100% ORGANIC, 100% Egyptian.
Amazon Price: $10.68 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $11.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Organic Egyptian Cotton Minimo Doll - Ethnic Pink Stripe
The farm that grows our cotton and makes our apparel focuses on fair trade and provides a worldwide model community for organic agriculture along with a supportive work place. The fact that we use cotton grown in Egypt makes it even more extraordinary because of the extremely soft, gentle and durable features Egyptian cotton is known for. Under the Nile.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price:
Under The Nile Sleeping Doll, Blush
These soft and cuddly dolls will make wonderful friends for your little ones. The natural cotton assures you that absolutely no pesticides or chemicals have been used through the entire production process. These toys are safe, pesticide-free, comfortable and naturally dyed. Fair Trade allows artisans a fair wage to support their families. Safe, organic, non-toxic, cozy, cute and makes a great gift! Machine Washable.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $10.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Get a colorful, printable fact sheet here
ALL THE FACTS ON ORGANIC VS CONVENTIONAL COTTON
Organic Cotton is Different"By choosing organic cotton, you can reap all the benefits of cotton's beauty, comfort and strength while minimizing harm to people and planet."
Print this 8-1/2x11 poster from aboutorganiccotton.org and put it up on your refrigerator, in your classroom, wherever you want a reminder on the benefits of using organic cotton.
More cuddly comfort - for Baby's bath
Under The Nile Organic Frog Wash Cloth
Adorable frog will make bath time fun for babies or toddlers. Soft organic cotton bath mitt doubles as a puppet. Cotton is one of the world's most pesticide intensive crops and cotton farming takes a heavy toll on the environment.
Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $10.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Duck Washcloth
What a great bath accessory: it cleans and entertains your baby! Made of 100% certified organic cotton terry, this fun and friendly wash mitt will become a bath-time favorite. For ages newborn and up.
Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $10.00
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Cow Washcloth / Hand Puppet
Another fun bath-time accessory of 100% certified organic cotton terry; For ages newborn and up.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $10.00
Tadpoles Organics Hooded Towel & Mitt Set, Pink
A natural touch for bath-time, with a super-soft mitt for gentle washing and a cuddly towel for drying off afterwards; Eco-friendly and pesticide-free 100% certified organic cotton; Terrycloth towel is extra-absorbent; Handy mitt design means easier bath-times with a wiggly little one; Machine wash
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $24.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Pick your cotton carefully
DO YOU KNOW THE TRUE COST OF THE COTTON YOU'RE WEARING?
What do you think?
Will you buy organic cotton?
Vote here. After the poll, jump to any of these links for great organic clothing ideas and products for the bed and bath.
Enjoy the luxury of cotton in the bedroom
Enjoy the luxury of cotton in the bath
Yummy cotton for her
Cotton togs for him
Five soft picks to keep your baby comfy and safe night and day
Before you jump, won't you take a moment to vote?
Enjoy the luxury of organic cotton in your home
Choose from a cornucopia of goods and add your own!
Which of these items do you like best? Vote 'em up! Got a better one? Add it!
3
Nest Pebbles Accent Cushion- Pink
The Pebbles accent cushion from Nest brightens any room with luscious design and eco-friendly materials. Vibrant colors and a playful geometric print are featured on an extra soft, 100% certified organic cotton.2 points
4
Volcom Chirp Tote - Women's
Load anything from school books to groceries in the 100% organic cotton Volcom Chirp Tote. This bag comes straight out of Volcom's earth-friendly V.Co-logical series. Stash your cell phone, lip balm, and any other smaller items in this organic cotton tote's front pocket while you peruse the supermarket aisles.2 points
5
Nest Jax Toy Box- Orange
Help organize your child's bedroom or playroom with the Jax Toy Boxes from Nest. Organic cotton is stretched over the minimal, yet sturdy frame creating a convenient place for storage.1 point
6
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Gardening / Chef Apron
Cozy organic cotton for your little helper. Undyed natural trimmed with soft green stripe and accented with veggies. Loop neck and ties at waist. Size 2-6 years. Machine wash and dry.1 point
Enjoy the luxury of cotton
in the bath
Pamper yourself with sumptuous bath towels and face cloths.
1
Organic Cotton Towel Set Natural
A rejuvenating spa experience at home begins with plush, absorbent Organic Cotton Towels made from exceptionally soft, highest quality long-staple...3 points
2
Organic Cotton Thick & Thirsty Towels
Tightly woven with premium long-staple 100% organic cotton, our new 800-gram weight towels make every shower and bath a spa experience. Super-soft terry loops provide superior absorbency and a silky feel. Thick, thirsty towels become even softer with every wash. Rich colors are created with low eco-impact dyes. Chlorine- and softener-free finishing preserves the purity and softness of the cotton.3 points
3
ORGANIKA COLLECTION 6 PIECE COFFEE TOWEL SET - 100% COMBED ORGANIC COTTON (2 Bath Towels, 2 Hand Towels, 2 Wash Cloths)
Our new 100% Combed Organic cotton towels are SKAL organic certified and Eco-friendly while still plush and absorbent. What does SKAL certified and Eco-friendly mean for you and your loved ones? It means you can rely on the fact that these towels are uncontaminated, germ-free and fresh from the time the cotton was grown. So you can rest comfortably, knowing that the towels you and your loved ones are using are healthy and wholesome for the fresh bathing experience everyone deserves.2 points
4
Organic Cotton Washcloths - Set of 3
Organic cotton personal size face and body washcloths.1 point
5
Organic Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
100% Organic Turkish Cotton Towel, 27.5x55, loops attached for easy hanging.
Price: $20.001 point
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Organic Turkish Cotton Hand Towel
100% Organic Turkish Cotton Towel, 19x39, loops attached for easy hanging.
Price: $11.951 point
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Organic Turkish Cotton Wash Cloth
100% Organic Turkish Cotton Towel, 12x12, loops attached for easy hanging.
Price: $3.491 point
Intimate organics
Organic Essentials Organic Cotton Swabs 180/Box
NEW & IMPROVED Biodegradable Swab tipped with Certified Organic Cotton! The new stick is made from raw materials (vegetable based) which are totally biodegradable and compostable. The new packaging is also more environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price:
In the bedroom
50 percent Organic Merino Wool - 50 percent Organic Cotton Blankets
50% Organic Merino Wool - 50% Organic Cotton Blankets
Amazon Price: $229.35 (as of 11/23/2009)
List Price: $229.35
Usually ships in 1-3 weeks
Did organic agriculture save this community?
Some of the organic cotton items shown on this page are distributed by Gaiam. See their story, Organic Farming Changes Everything for a Community in India and watch Did Organic Agriculture Save This Community?, a short, inspiring video.Image copyright Gaiam 2006.
Chemical costs, health issues, dwindling crop yields and spiritual conflicts with pesticide use were threatening welfare and quality of life in this farming community in India. We talked with these soulful, hardworking people on why organic works.
Gaiam
I'd like to hear from you
Thank you for visiting Why buy organic cotton. I welcome your opinions, comments, and suggestions. What would you like to see on this lens? There's more below, of course, and before you go, I'd love it if you'd hop to the top and give me some stars.
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Reply
- Jay345 Jay345 Jun 16, 2009 @ 10:46 pm
- Great article. I agree organic is the way to go. I just discoverd a brand called Indie Peace and they use only certified organic cotton. I bought my shirt over a year ago and still looks practically new. It's really soft and comfortable too. I am only going organic now. It's a great investment.
Indie Peace isn't too expensive either.
Go to www.indiepeace.myshopify.com...you can thank me later.
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Reply
- Kerridwen Kerridwen Apr 18, 2009 @ 12:12 am
- You asked me a while back whether I offered my baby clothes on organic cotton, and I wanted to let you know that I do now! :D Cafepress has just given its designers the means to have their artwork printed on organic cotton. You can see my Little Tree Hugger design on an organic cotton baby onesie at http://www.cafepress.com/drawnbyk.368977726
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Reply
- TopStyleTravel TopStyleTravel Mar 4, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
- Great subject. Never thought about secondary ways to get pesticide exposure from cottonseed oil.
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Reply
- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Mar 3, 2009 @ 12:25 am
- A great lens about such an important subject. You would make a great Giant Squid - keep on making those lenses!
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Reply
- Kerridwen Kerridwen Feb 1, 2009 @ 8:51 pm
- Thanks so much for the encouragement! Right now, Cafepress is the only company that I use to print my designs on clothing. They offer organic T-shirts for adults, so for any of the designs that are appropriate for adults, I offer it, too. Unfortunately, the baby and kids' clothes are not available on organic cotton. Do you know of a company like Cafepress that would handle the ordering/printing on demand with my uploaded artwork? I would definitely like to be able to offer the baby/children's clothes on organic cotton. :D
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Organic clothing blog
Want more info on organic fibers and clothing? Keep your eye on this blog.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWhat bloggers are saying about organic cotton today
- Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe Organic Cotton Adjustable Infant Wrap ...
- Buy Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe Organic Cotton Adjustable Infant Wrap - Ivory (Small) - The renowned Swad...
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by Graceonline
I work for a lively, entrepreneurial green biz by day and research and write the Village of Ordinary and its companion blog, Realizing Ordinary
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